After almost two years in development, LEGO Technic has announced the launch of its latest model – an approximately 1:20 scale model of a Volvo EW160E wheeled excavator. The latest model follows on the success of the remote-controlled Volvo L350F wheel loader created by LEGO Technic in 2014, and is set to hit the shops this summer.
Comprising an in-built pneumatic system and 1,166 individual elements, the EW160E material-handling machine has been designed to resemble the real thing in both looks and functionality. “We didn’t just want this product to look like an EW160E material-handling excavator; we wanted it to work like one too,” explains Andrew Woodman, senior design manager at LEGO Technic.
Behind The Design: LEGO® Technic 42053 Volvo EW160E
The latest model takes a different approach to the remote-controlled model L350F. “This one is very much an ‘in-hand play’ model,” Woodman says. “That means that we could focus on really capturing the excavator’s visual appearance. However, we went a step further and added a pneumatic system that uses pressurized air to replicate how a real machine works with its hydraulic system – it’s what operates the main boom and the grab bucket. The model also has other realistic functions, such as the raising and lowering of the cab, the steering and the outriggers, which come down from the chassis to steady the machine when it’s working.”
LEGO Technic worked closely with Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) throughout the development process, ensuring that the model was accurate in both looks and functionality. “We went through several phases of development to make sure we didn’t miss a thing,” says Woodman. “Not only did we want to create a great building experience for the people who buy our models, we wanted Volvo CE to be proud of the fact that it has a LEGO Technic model that is a great representation of its machine.”
To ensure its design was as accurate as possible, Woodman and his team got the chance to visit the factory in Konz, Germany, where real-life EW160Es are put together. “We had a great time looking at the way the machines are built,” says Woodman. “By physically walking down the production line, we were able to see the different stages of the design. We got the chance to climb onto the machine and get in the cab; it gave us a really good sense of how the excavator is built.
“We even included the brand new orange handrails and guards, which are only now beginning to be rolled out on the real machines,” he adds.
Peter Bauer, vehicle engineer at the Volvo CE factory in Konz, worked closely with the LEGO Technic team throughout the development phase. "Upon meeting them, I was immediately impressed by the level of detail they wanted to achieve," he notes. "The first thing we worked on together was the elevated cab; the LEGO team’s prototype was already quite accurate but together we were able to make it as close as possible to the real machine.
“One thing that I found particularly interesting was that they faced many of the same challenges that we did, such as usage of common parts, proto and pilot machines, and so on," he continues. "All in all, it was a really good experience for everyone involved. I’m already looking forward to being part of the next LEGO® project."
